Uno Chicago Grill vs Donatos Pizzeria Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Uno Chicago Grill vs Donatos Pizzeria including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Uno Chicago Grill Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Investment $1,168,000 - $2,410,500$386,500 - $698,900
Franchise Fee $40,000$30,000
Royalty Fee 5%5%
Advertising Fee -5%
Year Founded 19431963
Year Franchised 19801991
Term Of Agreement --
Term Of Agreement --
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Uno Chicago Grill Franchise
Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • Restaurant/hospitality experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Uno Chicago Grill Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/No-/Yes
    Equipment No/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/No-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Uno Chicago Grill Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
    Training - On-The-Job Training: 454 hours Classroom Training: 4 hours
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperativesPurchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 40% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 60 - 80

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (65% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Uno Chicago Grill Franchise
    Donatos Pizzeria Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Uno Chicago Grill

    Ike Sewell combined old Italian recipes with meats, vegetables, spices and cheese and created the first deep dish pizza in 1943. He opened Pizzeria Uno to serve his creation to pizza lovers throughout Chicago. The new restaurant became so popular that Sewell opened Pizzeria Due on an opposite corner from his original restaurant to handle customer demand. Over 60 years later, the restaurant is now called Uno Chicago Grill and has evolved to offer a variety of grill items like steak, ribs, seafood and pastas in addition to its famous Chicago-style deep dish pizza.

    The initial investment necessary to begin operation of a Pizzeria Uno Restaurant ranges from $545,500 to $1,405,500. This includes $43,100 to $59,300 that must be paid to the franchisor.
    The initial investment necessary to begin operation of an Uno Pizzeria & Grill Restaurant ranges from $1,168,000 to $2,410,500. This includes $57,100 to $99,300 that must be paid to the franchisor.
    The franchisor offers development rights for Uno Restaurants. When you enter into a Development Agreement, you must pay the franchisor a Territory Reservation Fee equal to $5,000 times the number of Uno Restaurants you will own and operate. In addition to the Territory Reservation Fee, you must pay the franchisor an Initial Franchise Fee of $30,000 for each Pizzeria Uno Restaurant and $40,000 for each Uno Pizzeria & Grill Restaurant that you will own and operate.

    About Donatos Pizzeria

    BE A PART OF A PIZZA BUSINESS THAT'S ON THE RISE. With $1,300 in his pocket and a dream to own his own business, Jim Grote bought a small pizzeria on the south side of Columbus, Ohio and went to work to create a business that was truly unique. Although Donatos has grown and moved into almost 200 neighborhoods, our belief remains the same: "Treat people the way you want to be treated."
    You are responsible for:
    * Leasehold improvements
    * Leasing or purchasing equipment
    * Hiring and restaurant operation
    Donatos provides:
    * Product formulas and operational systems
    * Store design guidance
    * Equipment ordering guidance
    * Edge-u-cation training
    * Cultural orientation
    * Operations manual
    * Periodic evaluations
    * Ongoing support
    Additional information and qualifications:
    Single-Store and Multi-Unit Development Agreements are available depending upon prospective Franchise Partner qualifications as well as geographical considerations. Prospective Franchise Partner groups need to designate an Operating Partner who must live in the area to be developed and possess prior restaurant or retail management and supervision experience commensurate with the number of restaurants to be developed. An Operating Partner may also be a member of the Franchise Group. A full Franchise Application, including a Personal Financial Statement, needs to be submitted for each member of the Franchise Partner group. If the Operating Partner is a separate individual, they will need to submit a full resume with work history and skill-set qualifications.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Donatos franchised business is $386,500 to $698,900. This includes $40,500 to $42,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate. If this is the second Donatos franchised business, you choose to receive additional training services or you hire a Donatos Manager for your franchised business, you must pay the franchisor an additional $15,000 to $40,000.

    The company continues to franchise throughout the Midwest, South and Southeast, with franchised locations serving pizza, subs, salads and desserts.
    .
    "Entrepreneur

    #181 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
    #313 in Franchise 500 for 2021.